This position can be based in WRI Ethiopia, WRI Kenya, WRI Rwanda, WRI DRC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

WRI has central staff dedicated to creating a strong learning culture and ensuring research excellence across programs and international offices. The Research Data and Innovation core function at WRI includes two key components: preservation of research integrity; support to data products. This group works closely with the Managing for Results team, who monitors WRI’s outputs and outcomes to help us learn and ensure strategy turns into tangible results. We measure our success in both the quality of our research and in its ability to drive change in the world in ways that support WRI’s mission across three priority systems: Food, Land and Water; Energy; and Cities.

https://www.wri.org/research/excellence

Job Highlight:

In the role of Director, RDI, the successful candidate will oversee these three functions, working with other members of our team, and will be particularly responsible for research integrity. Working closely with our Global Research, Data and Innovation team, you will lead the peer review process for our knowledge products in Africa, as well as mentor staff, develop and provide training, and ensure that our strategies are evidence-based and contribute to achieving our goals. In this role, you will foster a culture of research excellence and ensure high quality research across WRI Africa.

You will also be supported by the Global Research, Data and Innovation team, the Managing for Results team – including our Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning; and the Data Lab team – including our Africa liaisons, who provide support and help coordinate the offerings of our data platforms.

You will report to the Deputy Director for WRI Africa. You will have a dotted line to the Global Research, Data and Innovation Lead.

This position will be a hybrid model of remote and in-office.

What you will do:

Ensure quality of WRI-branded knowledge products (50% time)

• Provide feedback to authors on research design and the provision of robust evidence that is fit for key audiences— including policymakers, businesses, multilateral development organizations—and coherent with other research and publications at WRI
• Review WRI Africa publications, as well as other WRI publications relevant to Africa, to determine whether they meet WRI’s research standards and approve them for publication
• Assist research staff in identifying external experts who can provide objective, relevant reviews of drafts

Research Culture & Capacity (25% time)

• Foster a learning culture where constructive criticism and candor are highly valued and staff feel empowered to speak up and discuss failures
• Establish regular engagement with programs to help connect the dots across programs and encourage a culture of cohesion

• Provide support and training to staff on research design, data interpretation, analytical issues, and effective writing
• Participate in hiring of research-focused staff

Coordinate with the Data Lab and Managing for Results functions (25% time)

• Ensure that the links between research and outcomes are understood by all program staff and pursued as an integral part of strategies to drive sustainable outcomes
• Collaborate with the Data Lab and Managing for Results to ensure alignment within WRI Africa
• Help design and build capacity for the Data Lab and Managing for Results functions in WRI Africa
• Provide guidance (dotted line) to existing Data Lab and Managing for Results staff

What you will need:

• Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a discipline related to environment, development, or evaluation, with strong methodological skills in social sciences, natural sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant, full-time experience in conducting research related to environment and/or development and minimum of 5 years of experience managing researchers
• Prior experience of working with international organization and relevant experience working in the Africa continent is essential
• Proven track record of conducting and overseeing research that translates into policy and practice
• Demonstrated knowledge of specific research methods, quantitative or qualitative, and ability to communicate those methods clearly to diverse colleagues. Experience applying valuation methods strongly desired
• Languages: English at professional level; professional knowledge of French strongly preferred.

• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by the date of 19 September 2023. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.